Rotation converter

ABSTRACT

An exemplary rotation converter includes an input component, an output component, and an intermediate component engaged between the input component and the output component. The input component is rotatable from an input component home position in each of a first direction and an opposite second direction. The intermediate component is configured to move to an actuated position in response to rotation of the input component in either direction, and to rotate the output component in an actuating direction as the intermediate component moves to the actuated position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to rotation converters, andmore particularly but not exclusively relates to rotation converters forexit device assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Exit device assemblies typically include a pushbar assembly mounted toan egress side of a door and a trim assembly mounted to the non-egressside of the door. The trim assembly may include a handle that isoperable to rotate a drive spindle in each of a first direction and asecond direction. The drive spindle may be engaged with the pushbarassembly such that rotation of the spindle in the first directionactuates the latch control assembly of the pushbar assembly. In certainpushbar assemblies, however, the latch control assembly is not capableof being actuated by the drive spindle when the drive spindle attemptsto rotate in the second direction. As such, the handle must be rotatedin the first direction in order to actuate the latch control assembly.In certain circumstances, however, it may be desirable for the handle toactuate the latch control assembly when rotated in the second direction.

Certain existing trim assemblies include mechanisms that convertrotation of the handle in the second (non-actuating) direction torotation of the drive spindle in the first (actuating) direction.However, these mechanisms are typically bulky and increase the size ofthe trim assembly, which may be undesirable. Moreover, if a buildingowner wishes to upgrade an existing exit device assembly to enableactuation of the latch control assembly by rotation of the handle inboth directions, the owner must replace the entire trim assembly, whichcan be costly and time consuming. Moreover, the bulkyrotation-converting trim assemblies often lack the aesthetic appeal ofthe sleeker traditional designs. For these reasons among others, thereremains a need for further improvements in this technological field.

SUMMARY

An exemplary rotation converter includes an input component, an outputcomponent, and an intermediate component engaged between the inputcomponent and the output component. The input component is rotatablefrom an input component home position in each of a first direction andan opposite second direction. The intermediate component is configuredto move to an actuated position in response to rotation of the inputcomponent in either direction, and to rotate the output component in anactuating direction as the intermediate component moves to the actuatedposition. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects of thepresent application shall become apparent from the description andfigures provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an exit device assemblyaccording to certain embodiments installed to a door.

FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of a trim assembly that may be utilized inthe exit device assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the trim assemblyillustrated in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the trim assembly illustrated inFIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of a pushbar assembly that may beutilized in the exit device assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional illustration of a portion of the pushbarassembly illustrated in FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of a portion of the pushbarassembly.

FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of a portion of the pushbarassembly.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are exploded assembly views of a rotation converteraccording to certain embodiments, which may be utilized in the exitdevice assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a portion of the rotation converterillustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 while in a deactuated state.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a portion of the rotation converterillustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 while in the deactuated state.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a portion of the rotation converterillustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 while in an actuated state.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a portion of the rotation converterillustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 while in a first actuated state.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a portion of the rotation converterillustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 while in a second actuated state.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a portion of the rotation converterillustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 with an output member in a reversedorientation.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a rotation converter according to certainembodiments, which may be utilized in the exit device assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 18 is a schematic flow diagram of a process according to certainembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Although the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible tovarious modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments havebeen shown by way of example in the drawings and will be describedherein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is nointent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particularforms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the presentdisclosure and the appended claims.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,”“an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodimentdescribed may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily includethat particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, suchphrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. It shouldfurther be appreciated that although reference to a “preferred”component or feature may indicate the desirability of a particularcomponent or feature with respect to an embodiment, the disclosure isnot so limiting with respect to other embodiments, which may omit such acomponent or feature. Further, when a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it issubmitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art toimplement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection withother embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

As used herein, the terms “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “transverse”are used to denote motion or spacing along three mutually perpendicularaxes, wherein each of the axes defines two opposite directions. In thecoordinate system illustrated in FIG. 1 , the X-axis (into and out ofthe page) defines first and second longitudinal directions, the Y-axisdefines first and second lateral directions, and the Z-axis definesfirst and second transverse directions. These terms are used for easeand convenience of description, and are without regard to theorientation of the system with respect to the environment. For example,descriptions that reference a longitudinal direction may be equallyapplicable to a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, or anoff-axis orientation with respect to the environment.

Furthermore, motion or spacing along a direction defined by one of theaxes need not preclude motion or spacing along a direction defined byanother of the axes. For example, elements that are described as being“laterally offset” from one another may also be offset in thelongitudinal and/or transverse directions, or may be aligned in thelongitudinal and/or transverse directions. The terms are therefore notto be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter describedherein to any particular arrangement unless specified to the contrary.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list inthe form of “at least one of A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A andB); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed inthe form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A andB); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Items listed in the form of“A, B, and/or C” can also mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (Aand C); or (A, B, and C). Further, with respect to the claims, the useof words and phrases such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” and/or “at leastone portion” should not be interpreted so as to be limiting to only onesuch element unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use ofphrases such as “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” should beinterpreted as encompassing both embodiments including only a portion ofsuch element and embodiments including the entirety of such elementunless specifically stated to the contrary.

Furthermore, certain features described herein may be described asconfigured to perform a function in response to either of a firstcondition and a second condition. For example, a component may bedescribed as being “configured to perform function X in response toeither of condition A and condition B.” As used herein, such languageindicates that the component is configured to perform function X inresponse to condition A, and is further configured to perform function Xin response to condition B.

In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown incertain specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should beappreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may notnecessarily be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features maybe arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in theillustrative figures unless indicated to the contrary. Additionally, theinclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure isnot meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and,in some embodiments, may be omitted or may be combined with otherfeatures.

The disclosed embodiments may, in some cases, be implemented inhardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. The disclosedembodiments may also be implemented as instructions carried by or storedon one or more transitory or non-transitory machine-readable (e.g.,computer-readable) storage media, which may be read and executed by oneor more processors. A machine-readable storage medium may be embodied asany storage device, mechanism, or other physical structure for storingor transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., avolatile or non-volatile memory, a media disc, or other media device).

With reference to FIG. 1 , illustrated therein is a door 80 havinginstalled thereon an exit device assembly 90 according to certainembodiments. The door 80 generally includes a non-egress side 81 and anegress side 82 opposite the non-egress side 81. When the door 80 is inits closed position, the non-egress side 81 faces an exterior or outerregion 83, and the egress side 82 faces an interior or access-controlledregion 84. Additionally, a door preparation 85 is formed in the door 80and defines a pathway between the non-egress side 81 and the egress side82. The exit device assembly 90 generally includes a trim 100 installedto the non-egress side 81, a pushbar assembly 200 installed to theegress side 82, and a rotation converter 300 seated in the doorpreparation 85 and operably connecting the trim 100 and the pushbarassembly 200. As described herein, the illustrated pushbar assembly 200includes a latch mechanism 240 and a pushbar 222 operable to actuate thelatch mechanism 240, and the trim 100 is at least selectively operableto actuate the latch mechanism 240 via the rotation converter 300.

With additional reference to FIG. 2 , the trim 100 generally includes anescutcheon 110, a handle 120 rotatably mounted to the escutcheon 110,and a drive spindle 130 at least selectively connected with the handle120. In certain embodiments, the trim assembly 100 may further includean electromechanical lock mechanism 140 operable to selectively connectthe handle 120 with the drive spindle 130 and a control assembly 150operable to control the electromechanical lock mechanism 140, and mayfurther include a credential reader 160 in communication with thecontrol assembly 150. In addition or as an alternative to theelectromechanical lock mechanism 140, the trim 100 may include amechanical lock mechanism 170 operable to selectively connect the handle120 with the drive spindle

The escutcheon 110 is mounted to the non-egress side 81 of the door 80,and defines a chamber 112 in which various components of the trim 100are mounted. For example, the electromechanical lock mechanism 140 maybe mounted in the chamber 112 along with the drive spindle 130, and thecredential reader 160 may be mounted in the chamber 112 such that afront face of the credential reader 160 is accessible from outside theescutcheon 110.

With additional reference to FIG. 3 , the handle 120 is rotatablymounted to the escutcheon 110, and is at least selectively operable tocause rotation of the drive spindle 130. In the illustrated form, thehandle 120 is provided in the form of a lever handle that includes ashank and a grip portion 122 in the form of a lever that extends fromthe shank in a substantially horizontal direction. In other embodiments,the handle 120 may be provided in another form, such as that of a knobhandle in which the grip portion is provided as a knob. As describedherein, the handle 120 may be selectively coupled with the drive spindle130 via the lock mechanism 140. It is also contemplated that the handle120 may be at all times coupled with the drive spindle 130. In theillustrated form, the handle 120 is rotationally coupled with an adapter122 that includes a plurality of notches 123, which facilitate thecoupling of the handle 120 with the drive spindle 130 as describedherein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 120 is mounted to theescutcheon 110 in a right-handed orientation, in which the grip portionor lever 121 extends from the shank primarily in a rightward directionwhen viewing the front of the trim assembly 100. In this right-handedorientation, pressing the lever 121 downward pivots the handle 120 in afirst direction (counter-clockwise in FIG. 2 ), and pressing the lever121 upward pivots the handle 120 in an opposite second direction(clockwise in FIG. 2 ). It is also contemplated that the handle 120 maybe mounted to the escutcheon 110 in a left-handed orientation, in whichthe lever 121 extends from the shank primarily in a leftward directionwhen viewing the front of the trim assembly 100. In this left-handedorientation (illustrated in phantom in FIG. 2 as the left-handedorientation 120′), pressing the lever 121 downward pivots the handle 120in the second direction (clockwise in FIG. 2 ), and pressing the lever121 upward pivots the handle in the first direction (counter-clockwisein FIG. 2 ).

The illustrated drive spindle 130 is rotationally coupled with a collar132 that includes a notch 133. Additionally, the drive spindle 130 is atleast selectively engaged with the handle 120 such that the handle 120is at least selectively operable to rotate the spindle 130. When thehandle 120 is connected with the drive spindle 130, rotation of thehandle 120 in either handle direction causes a corresponding rotation ofthe drive spindle 130 in a corresponding drive spindle direction. Asdescribed herein, rotation of the drive spindle 130 is operable toactuate the latch mechanism 240 via the rotation converter 300.

The electromechanical lock mechanism 140 includes a movable wall 141having an arcuate surface 142 that supports a coupler 143, a coil spring144 engaged with the movable wall 142, a gear train 145 operable torotate the spring 144, and a motor 146 including a motor shaft 147operable to rotate the gear train 145. The coupler 143 has a couplingposition and a decoupling position, and is biased toward the decouplingposition, for example by a spring. In the coupling position, the coupler143 is partially received in one of the adapter notches 123, and ispartially received in the collar notch 133 such that the coupler 143extends between and rotationally couples the adapter 122 and the collar132. As a result, the handle 120 is operably coupled with the drivespindle 130 and is operable to rotate the drive spindle 130 to actuatethe latch mechanism 240; the trim 100 is thus in an unlocked state. Inthe decoupling position, the coupler 143 is removed from the notches123, 133 such that the adapter 122 is rotationally decoupled from thecollar 132. As a result, the handle 120 is inoperable to rotate thedrive spindle, and therefore cannot actuate the latch mechanism 240; thetrim 100 is thus in a locked state.

As set forth above, the coupling position of the coupler 143 correspondsto the unlocked state of the trim 100, and the decoupling position ofthe coupler 143 corresponds to the locked state of the trim 100. Thearcuate support surface 142 of the movable wall 141 is engaged with thecoupler 143 such that movement of the movable wall 141 between an upperposition and a lower position drives the coupler 143 between itscoupling and decoupling positions. More particularly, when the movablewall 141 is in its upper position, the support surface 142 retains thecoupler 143 in its coupling position, thereby unlocking the trimassembly 100. As such, the upper position of the movable wall 141corresponds to the coupling position of the coupler 143 and the unlockedstate of the trim assembly 100, and may alternatively be referred to asthe unlocking position. When the movable wall 141 is in its lowerposition, the coupler 143 moves to the decoupling position to which thecoupler 143 is biased, thereby locking the trim assembly 100. As such,the lower position of the movable wall 141 corresponds to the decouplingposition of the coupler 143 and the locked state of the trim assembly100, and may alternatively be referred to as the locking position.

The motor 146 is operable to rotate the motor shaft 147 in each of afirst direction and a second direction under control of the controlassembly 150. Rotation of the shaft 147 in the first direction causesthe gear train 145 to rotate the spring 144 in a locking direction, androtation of the shaft 147 in the second direction causes the gear train145 to rotate the spring in an unlocking direction. During rotation ofthe spring 144 in the locking direction, the coils of the spring 144engage a projection 148 of the wall 141 and urge the wall 141 downwardtoward its lower locking position, thereby placing the lock mechanism140 in its locking state. During rotation of the spring 144 in theunlocking direction, the coils of the spring 144 engage the projection148 and urge the wall 141 upward toward its upper unlocking position,thereby placing the lock mechanism 140 in its unlocking state.

With additional reference to FIG. 4 , the control assembly 150 is incommunication with the electromechanical lock mechanism 140, and mayfurther be in communication with one or more of the credential reader160 or an external device 190. The illustrated control assembly 150includes a controller 152, and may further include a power supply 153and/or a wireless communication device 154. In certain embodiments, thepower supply 153 may be an onboard power supply, such as one or morebatteries. In certain embodiments, the control assembly 150 may beconnected to an external power supply 153, such as line power. Thewireless communication device 154 facilitates wireless communicationwith an external device 190, such as an access control system 192, amobile device 194, or an external credential reader 196. It is alsocontemplated that the control assembly 150 may be in wired communicationwith an external device 190. In certain embodiments, the controlassembly 150 may be provided as a standalone control assembly that doesnot communicate with an external device 190 during normal operation ofthe trim assembly 150.

The control assembly 150 is configured to control the electromechanicallock mechanism 140 to move between its locking and unlocking states. Forexample, the control assembly 150 may transmit to the motor 146 alocking signal that causes the motor 146 to rotate the motor shaft 147in the first direction, thereby setting the lock mechanism 140 in thelocking state as described above. The control assembly 150 may transmitto the motor an unlocking signal that causes the motor 146 to rotate themotor shaft 147 in the second direction, thereby setting the lockmechanism 140 in the unlocking state as described above. In certainembodiments, the control assembly 150 may selectively transmit thelocking and unlocking signals based upon information received from thecredential reader 160. In certain embodiments, the control assembly 150may selectively transmit the locking and unlocking signals based uponinformation received from the external device 190.

In embodiments in which the trim assembly 100 includes the credentialreader 160, the credential reader 160 may be mounted to the escutcheon110. The credential reader 160 is configured to receive a credentialinput and to transmit to the control assembly 150 credential informationrelating to the credential input. In certain embodiments, the credentialreader 160 may comprise one or more of the following: a keypad operableto receive credential input in the form of an input code; a card readeroperable to receive credential input from a card; a fob reader operableto receive credential input from a fob; a mobile device reader operableto receive credential input from a mobile device 194; a biometriccredential reader operable to scan or otherwise receive a biometriccredential (e.g., a fingerprint scan, an iris scan, or a retina scan).It is also contemplated that the credential reader 160 may take anotherform, or may be omitted from the trim assembly 100. It is alsocontemplated that the external credential reader 196 may be provided asone or more of the above-described forms of credential reader, and/ormay take another form.

The mechanical lock mechanism 170 is operable to selectively connect thehandle 120 to the drive spindle 130, and in the illustrated formcomprises a lock cylinder 172, a cam 174 operable to be rotated by thelock cylinder 172, and a lock plate 176 engaged with the cam 174 and themoving wall 141. As is typical of lock cylinders, the lock cylinder 172generally includes a shell, a plug rotatably mounted in the shell, and atumbler system operable to selectively prevent rotation of the plugrelative to the shell. The plug of the lock cylinder 172 is coupled withthe cam 174 such that upon insertion of a proper key into the plug, thekey is operable to rotate the plug to thereby rotate the cam 174. Oneend of the cam 174 is coupled with the plug of the lock cylinder 172,and the opposite end of the cam 174 is engaged with the lock plate 176.For example, a projection 175 of the cam 174 may be received in a slot177 of the lock plate 176. When the cam 174 is rotated, the projection175 rides along the slot 177 and urges the lock plate 176 upward. Thelock plate 176 is engaged with the movable wall 141 such that upwardmovement of the lock plate 176 drives the movable wall 141 upward to itsunlocking position, thereby unlocking the trim 100. Upon return of thecam 174 to its home position, the lock plate 176 returns to its lowerhome position, thereby permitting the wall 141 to return to its lowerlocking position.

As noted above, certain embodiments may omit the electromechanical lockmechanism 140. In such forms, the mechanical lock mechanism 170 mayinclude the moving wall 141 and the coupler 142 to retain the unlockingfunctionality of the mechanical lock mechanism 140. Moreover, while aparticular embodiment of the electromechanical lock mechanism 140 and aparticular embodiment of the mechanical lock mechanism 170 areillustrated and described herein, it is to be appreciated that theelectromechanical lock mechanism 140 and/or the mechanical lockmechanism 170 may take another form. As one example, theelectromechanical lock mechanism 140 may be provided as another form ofelectromechanical lock mechanism operable to selectively couple thehandle 120 with the drive spindle 130, or a form of electromechanicallock mechanism operable to selectively prevent rotation of the handle120. As another example, the mechanical lock mechanism 140 may beprovided as another form of mechanical lock mechanism operable toselectively couple the handle 120 with the drive spindle 130, or a formof mechanical lock mechanism operable to selectively prevent rotation ofthe handle 120. Such electromechanical and mechanical lock mechanismsare known in the art, and need not be described in detail herein.

With additional reference to FIG. 5 , illustrated therein are certainfeatures of a closure assembly 70 that generally includes the door 80and the exit device assembly 90. The closure assembly 70 furtherincludes a doorframe 72 on which the door 80 is swingingly mounted. Thedoorframe 72 includes a latch jamb 75 that is adjacent a free edge 86 ofthe door 80 when the door 80 is in its closed position. In theillustrated form, the closure assembly 70 further includes a strike 76,which is mounted to the latch jamb 75 and is operable to engage thelatch mechanism 240 to selectively retain the door 80 in its closedposition.

With additional reference to FIG. 6 , the pushbar assembly 200 generallyincludes a mounting assembly 210, a drive assembly 220 movably mountedto the mounting assembly 210, a latch control assembly 230 operablycoupled with the drive assembly 220, and an actuating device 250operable to actuate the latch control assembly 230. In the illustratedform, the pushbar assembly 200 further includes the latch mechanism 240.

The mounting assembly 210 generally includes a longitudinally-extendingchannel member 211, a mounting plate 212 mounted in the channel member211, a cover plate 213 enclosing a distal end portion of the channelmember 211, a pair of bell crank mounting brackets 214 extendingtransversely from the mounting plate 212, a header plate 216 positionedadjacent a proximal end of the mounting plate 212, and a header case 217mounted to the header plate 216. As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the channelmember 211 extends along a longitudinal axis 201 of the pushbar assembly200.

The drive assembly 220 generally includes a transversely-movable pushbar222, a pair of bell cranks 224 connecting the pushbar 222 with alongitudinally-movable drive rod 226, and a main spring 227 urging thedrive assembly 220 toward a deactuated state. The pushbar 222 is mountedfor transverse movement between a projected position and a depressedposition to transition the drive assembly 220 between a deactuated statein which the pushbar 222 is in its projected position and an actuatedstate in which the pushbar 222 is in its depressed position. The bellcranks 224 are mounted to the bell crank brackets 214, and correlate thetransverse movement of the pushbar 222 with longitudinal movement of thedrive rod 226. More particularly, the bell cranks 224 cause the driverod 226 to move between a proximal position (to the right in FIG. 4 )and a distal position (to the left in FIG. 4 ) such that the proximalposition is correlated with the projected or deactuated position of thepushbar 222 and the distal position is correlated with the depressed oractuated position of the pushbar 222. Additionally, the main spring 227is engaged between the drive rod 226 and the mounting assembly 210 suchthat the main spring 227 urges the drive rod 226 toward its proximalposition, thereby biasing the drive assembly 220 toward its deactuatedstate.

The drive assembly 220 is connected with the latch control assembly 230via a lost motion connection 202 that causes actuation of the latchcontrol assembly 230 in response to actuation of the drive assembly 220,and which permits the drive assembly 220 to remain in its deactuatedstate when the latch control assembly 230 is actuated by anothermechanism (e.g., the trim 100). As a result, the drive assembly 220 isoperable to actuate the latch control assembly 230. The lost motionconnection 202 may include a biasing member such as a spring 203 urgingthe latch control assembly 230 toward a deactuated state thereof.

With additional reference to FIG. 7 , the latch control assembly 230generally includes a control link 232 connected with the drive rod 226via the lost motion connection 202, a yoke 234 connected with thecontrol link 232 for joint movement along the longitudinal axis 201, apair of drivers 236 mounted to the header plate 316 for lateralmovement, and a pair of pivot cranks 238 operably coupling the drivers236 with the yoke 234. The control link 232 is connected with the driveassembly 220 such that actuation of the drive assembly 220longitudinally drives the control link 232 and the yoke 234 between aproximal deactuated position and a distal actuated position. The drivers236 are mounted for lateral movement between a laterally-outwarddeactuated position and a laterally-inward actuated position, and thepivot cranks 238 correlate longitudinal movement of the control link 232and yoke 234 with lateral movement of the drivers 236.

As used herein, the terms “laterally inward” and “laterally outward” maybe used to denote positions and/or motion relative to the longitudinalaxis 201. For example, a laterally inward position is one nearer thelongitudinal axis 201, and a laterally outward position is one fartherfrom the longitudinal axis 201. Thus, while the laterally inward andlaterally outward positions for the upper driver 236 are respectivelyprovided as a lower position and an upper position, the laterally inwardand laterally outward positions for the lower driver 236 arerespectively provided as an upper position and a lower position.Similarly, laterally inward movement is movement toward the longitudinalaxis 201, while laterally outward movement is movement away from thelongitudinal axis 201. Thus, laterally inward movement for the upperdriver 236 is downward movement, while laterally outward movement forthe upper driver 236 is upward movement. Conversely, laterally inwardmovement for the lower driver 236 is upward movement, while laterallyoutward movement for the lower driver 236 is downward movement.

As noted above, the pivot cranks 238 correlate longitudinal movement ofthe control link 232 and the yoke 234 with lateral movement of thedrivers 236. More particularly, the pivot cranks 238 correlate distalmovement of the control link 232 and the yoke 234 with laterally inwardor actuating movement of the drivers 236, and correlate proximalmovement of the control link 232 and the yoke 234 with laterally outwardor deactuating movement of the drivers 236. The latch control assembly230 has an actuating state in which each component thereof is in acorresponding and respective actuating position, and a deactuating statein which each component thereof is in a corresponding and respectivedeactuating position. For the control link 232 and the yoke 234, theactuating position is a distal position, and the deactuating position isa proximal position. For the drivers 236, the actuating position is alaterally inward position, and the deactuating position is a laterallyoutward position.

The latch mechanism 240 is operably connected with the latch controlassembly 230 such that actuating movement of the latch control assembly230 causes a corresponding actuation of the latch mechanism 240. In theillustrated form, the latch mechanism 240 generally includes a latchbolt242 and a retractor 244 connecting the latchbolt 242 with the yoke 234such that distal actuating movement of the yoke 234 drives the latchbolt242 from an extended position to a retracted position. As describedherein, such actuating movement may be imparted to the latch controlassembly 230 by the drive assembly 220, and may also be imparted to thelatch control assembly 230 by the trim 100.

In the illustrated form, the latch mechanism 240 is installed in theheader case 217, and engages the strike 75 when the door 80 is closedand the pushbar assembly 200 is deactuated. It is also contemplated thatthe exit device assembly 90 may include latch mechanisms in additionalor alternative locations. As one example, the exit device assembly 90may be provided as a vertical exit device assembly including an upperlatch mechanism and/or a lower latch mechanism. In such a vertical exitdevice, the upper latch mechanism may be installed above the pushbarassembly 200 (e.g., adjacent the top edge of the door 80) and connectedto the upper driver 236 via an upper connector (e.g., a rod or cable).Additionally or alternatively, a lower latch mechanism may be installedbelow the pushbar assembly (e.g., adjacent the bottom edge of the door80) and connected to the lower driver 236 via a lower connector (e.g., arod or cable). In certain forms, a vertical exit device may be providedas a concealed vertical exit device, in which the connectors run throughchannels formed within the door 80. In other embodiments, a verticalexit device may be provided as a surface vertical exit device, in whichthe connectors are mounted to the egress side 82 of the door 80. Anexample of a vertical exit device assembly is described below withreference to FIG. 9 .

Furthermore, while the illustrated latch mechanism 240 drives alatchbolt 242 between an extended position and a retracted positionduring actuation and deactuation of the latch mechanism 240, other formsof actuation are also contemplated for the latch mechanism 240. As oneexample, actuation of the latch mechanism may drive a blocking memberfrom a blocking position to an unblocking position to permit retractionof a bolt without directly driving the bolt to the retracted position.In such forms, deactuation of the latch mechanism may tend to return theblocking member to the blocking position such that, when the boltreturns to its extended position, the blocking member once again retainsthe bolt in that extended position.

With additional reference to FIG. 8 , the actuating device 250 generallyincludes an actuator 252 rotatably mounted to the header plate 216 and aslide plate 256 slidably mounted to the header plate 216 via a pair oflugs 251. The actuator 252 includes an aperture 253 sized and shaped toreceive a tailpiece 345 of the rotation converter 300, and furtherincludes a projection 254 defining a recess 255. The slide plate 256generally includes a protrusion 257, a finger positioned above theprotrusion 257, and a pair of slots 259 that receive the lugs 251.

The actuating device 250 is configured to actuate the latch controlassembly 230 in response to rotation of the actuator 252 in an actuatoractuating direction A252 (clockwise in FIG. 8 ). Upon such rotation ofthe actuator 252, the projection 254 engages the protrusion 257, therebyurging the slide plate 256 downward as the finger 258 enters the recess255. The slide plate 256 is engaged with the latch control assembly 230such that downward movement of the slide plate 256 drives the upperdriver 236 downward (i.e., in its laterally-inward actuating direction),thereby actuating the latch control assembly 230 and retracting thelatchbolt 242. Thus, the first direction (i.e., the direction in whichthe actuator 252 is rotated to actuate the latch control assembly 230)may be referred to herein as the actuator actuating direction A252.

While the actuating device 250 is operable to actuate the latch controlassembly 230 when the actuator 252 is rotated in the actuator actuatingdirection A252 (clockwise in FIG. 8 ), the actuating device 250 may beinoperable to actuate the latch control assembly 230 when the actuator252 is rotated in a second direction opposite the actuator actuatingdirection A252. In such forms, the second direction may be referred toas the actuator non-actuating direction. In the illustrated form, whenthe actuator 252 is rotated in the actuator non-actuating direction(counter-clockwise in FIG. 8 ), the projection 255 engages theprotrusion 257 and urges the slide plate 256 upward. However, upwardmovement of the slide plate 256 is prevented, for example by engagementof the lugs 251 with the ends of the slots 259. As such, the illustratedactuating device 250 is operable to actuate the latch control assembly230 only when the actuator 252 is rotated in the actuator actuatingdirection A252, and not when the actuator 252 is rotated in the oppositedirection.

As noted above, when the handle 120 is operably connected with the drivespindle 130, the handle 120 is operable to rotate the drive spindle 130in each of a first direction and a second direction. If the drivespindle 130 were rotationally coupled with the actuator 252, rotatingthe handle in one direction would rotate the actuator 252 in theactuator actuating direction A252, while rotating the handle in theopposite direction would rotate the actuator 252 from the actuator homeposition in the actuator non-actuating direction. As such, the trimassembly 100 would only be able to actuate the latch control assembly230 when the handle 120 is rotated in the correct direction. Asdescribed herein, however, the rotation converter 300 is configured torotate the actuator 252 in the actuator actuating direction A252 inresponse to rotation of the drive spindle 130 in each and eitherdirection.

With additional reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 , the rotation converter 300is configured for mounting in the door preparation 85, and generallyincludes a case 310, an input member in the form of an input cam 320rotatably mounted to the case 310, a shuttle 330 slidably mounted in thecase 310 and engaged with the input cam 320, an output member 340rotatably mounted to the case 310 and engaged with the shuttle 330, anda biasing mechanism 350 urging the shuttle 330 toward a home position.As described herein, the input cam 320 is configured for connection withthe drive spindle 130, the output member 340 is configured forconnection with the actuator 252, and the shuttle 330 is configured torotate the output member 340 in an output member actuating directionA340 in response to rotation of the input cam 320 in each and either ofa first direction and a second direction. The rotation converter 300 hasan input rotational axis 302 about which the input cam 320 rotates andan output rotational axis 304 about which the output member 340 rotates.In the illustrated form, the rotational axes 302, 304 are coincident anddefine a rotational axis 301 of the rotation converter 300. In otherforms, the axes 302, 304 may not necessarily be coincident with eachother.

The case 310 is configured for mounting in the door preparation 85, andgenerally includes a housing 311 and a cover plate 316. The housing 311defines a first bearing aperture 312 centered about the input rotationalaxis 302, a receiving space 313 connected with the first bearingaperture 312, and a mounting area 315 positioned in the receiving space313. The cover plate 316 includes a second bearing aperture 314 centeredabout the output rotational axis 304, and is coupled to the housing 311,for example by one or more threaded fasteners 319 such as screws. Asdescribed herein, the input cam 320 is rotatably supported by the firstbearing aperture 312, the shuttle 330 is slidably mounted in thereceiving space 313, the output member 340 is rotatably supported by thesecond bearing aperture 314, and the biasing mechanism 350 is mounted inthe mounting area 315 and engaged with the shuttle 330.

The input cam 320 generally includes a circular base plate 321, abearing boss 322 projecting from the base plate 321, an aperture 323sized and shaped to receive the drive spindle 130, and an ear 324projecting radially from the base plate 321. The bearing boss 322 isreceived in the first bearing aperture 312 such that the input cam 320is rotatably supported by the housing 310 and is rotatable about theinput rotational axis 302. In the illustrated form, the aperture 323 hasa generally square geometry corresponding to the generally squaregeometry of the illustrated drive spindle 130. It is also contemplatedthat the drive spindle 130 and/or the aperture 323 may have a differentgeometry, so long as the input cam 320 is operable to engage the drivespindle 130. The ear 324 includes a first engagement portion 325 and asecond engagement portion 326 angularly spaced from the first engagementportion 325. As described herein, each of the engagement portions 325,326 is operable to engage the shuttle 330 to linearly drive the shuttle330 in response to rotation of the input cam 320.

The shuttle 330 is slidably seated in the receiving space 313 formovement between a shuttle home position and a shifted or shuttleactuated position, and includes an input side 311 engaged with the inputcam 320 and an output side 312 engaged with the output cam 340. Theinput side 311 includes a recessed portion 314 in which the input cam320 is seated. The recessed portion 314 includes a first cam surface 335operable to be engaged by the first engagement portion 325 and a secondcam surface 336 operable to be engaged by the second engagement portion326. The output side 312 includes a rack gear 337 comprising one or moreteeth 338, and in the illustrated form further comprises a second rackgear 337′. The second rack gear 337′ is positioned opposite the firstrack gear 337 and comprises one or more teeth 338′.

The output member 340 generally includes a base plate 342 and a bearingpost 344 extending from the base plate 342, and may further include atailpiece 345 extending from the post 344. The bearing post 344 extendsinto the second bearing aperture 314 such that the output cam 340 isrotatably supported by the housing 310 and is rotatable about the outputrotational axis 304. The tailpiece 345 is configured for rotationalcoupling with the actuator 252 of the actuating device 250, and in theillustrated form is integrally formed with or otherwise coupled to thepost 344. It is also contemplated that the post 344 may be rotationallycoupled with the tailpiece 345 in another manner. For example, the post344 may include a slot or recess in which a portion of the tailpiece 345is seated such that the post 344 and the tailpiece 345 are rotationallycoupled with one another. In such forms, the post 344 and the tailpiece345 may be longitudinally decoupled from one another to allow forsliding movement of the tailpiece 345 along the output rotational axis304. The base plate 342 defines a partially toothed pinion gear 343including a toothed region 347 engaged with the rack gear 337 to form arack-and-pinion device 307. More particularly, the toothed region 347includes one or more teeth 348 engaged with the one or more teeth 338 ofthe rack gear 337. The partially-toothed pinion gear 343 furtherincludes an untoothed region 349 that faces the second rack gear 337′without engaging the second rack gear 337′.

The biasing mechanism 350 is seated in the mounting area 315 and isengaged between the housing 310 and the shuttle 330 such that thebiasing mechanism 350 biases the shuttle 330 toward the shuttle homeposition. In the illustrated form, the biasing mechanism 350 includestwo biasing members in the form of compression springs 358. The mountingarea 315 may include a pair of lugs 318 on which the compression springs358 are mounted, and the shuttle 330 may include a pair of recesses intowhich the springs 358 extend. While the illustrated biasing mechanism350 includes two biasing members, it is also contemplated that more orfewer biasing members may be utilized. Moreover, while the illustratedbiasing members are provided in the form of compression springs 358, itis also contemplated that one or more biasing members of the biasingmechanism 350 may be provided in another form. For example, the biasingmechanism 350 may include one or more of the following: an extensionspring, a torsion spring, a leaf spring, an elastic member, one or moremagnets, and/or other forms of biasing members.

With additional reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 , illustrated therein isthe rotation converter 300 in a deactuated state. In this state, each ofthe input cam 320, the shuttle 330, and the output cam 340 is in itscorresponding and respective home position. This deactuated state of therotation converter 300 corresponds to the deactuated state of the trimassembly 100, in which each of the handle 120 and the drive spindle 130is in its corresponding and respective home position. The rotationconverter 300 is biased toward its deactuated state at least in part bythe biasing mechanism 350, which urges the shuttle 330 toward its homeposition. Biasing of the shuttle 330 toward its home position results inbiasing of the input cam 320 toward its home position due to engagementof at least one of the cam surfaces 335, 336 with its correspondingengagement portion 325, 326. Biasing of the shuttle 330 toward its homeposition also results in biasing of the output member 340 toward itshome position due to engagement of the rack gear 337 with the toothedregion 347 of the pinion gear 343.

With additional reference to FIG. 13 , illustrated therein is a rearplan view of the rotation converter 300 in its actuated state. In thisstate, the shuttle 330 has been shifted to its actuated or shiftedposition, resulting in rotation of the output member 340 to its actuatedor rotated position. More particularly, shifting of the shuttle 330 toits actuated position causes the engaged rack gear 337 and pinion 343 torotate the output member 340 in the output member actuating directionA340, which in the illustrated embodiment is the same as the actuatoractuating direction A252. Due to the fact that the output member 340 isrotationally coupled with the actuator 352 (e.g., via the tailpiece345), such rotation of the output member 340 in its actuating directionA340 causes a corresponding rotation of the actuator 252 in itsactuating direction A252, thereby actuating the latch control assembly230 as described above. Thus, actuation of the rotation converter 300causes a corresponding actuation of the latch control assembly 230.

With additional reference to FIG. 14 , the rotation converter 300 can beactuated by causing rotation of the input cam 320 in an input cam firstrotational direction R320 (clockwise in FIG. 14 ) from the input camhome position (FIG. 12 ) to an input cam first rotational position (FIG.14 ). The input cam 320 may, for example, be rotated in the input camfirst rotational direction R320 by rotating the handle 120 in a handlefirst rotational direction while the handle 120 is engaged with thedrive spindle 130. Such rotation of the handle 120 in the handle firstrotational direction causes a corresponding rotation of the drivespindle 130 in a drive spindle first rotational direction, therebyrotating the input cam 320 in the input cam first rotational directionR320. Rotation of the input cam 320 in the input cam first rotationaldirection R320 (clockwise in FIG. 14 ) causes the first engagementportion 325 of the input cam 320 to engage the first cam surface 335 ofthe shuttle 330 such that the input cam 320 drives the shuttle 330 inthe shuttle actuating direction A330 (to the left in FIGS. 11 and 13 ,to the right in FIGS. 12 and 14 ). Shifting of the shuttle 330 in theshuttle actuating direction A330 causes a corresponding rotation of theoutput member 340 in the output member actuating direction A340, therebyactuating the latch control assembly 230 as described above. Thus, therotation converter 300 converts rotation of the input cam 320 from theinput cam home position in the input cam first rotational direction R320to rotation of the output member 340 in the output member actuatingdirection A340.

With additional reference to FIG. 15 , the rotation converter 300 can beactuated by causing rotation of the input cam 320 in an input cam secondrotational direction R320′ (counter-clockwise in FIG. 15 ) from theinput cam home position (FIG. 12 ) to an input cam second rotationalposition (FIG. 15 ). The input cam 320 may, for example, be rotated inthe input cam second rotational direction R320′ by rotating the handle120 in a handle second rotational direction while the handle 120 isengaged with the drive spindle 130. Such rotation of the handle 120 inthe handle second rotational direction causes a corresponding rotationof the drive spindle 130 in a drive spindle second rotational direction,thereby rotating the input cam 320 in the input cam second rotationaldirection R320′. Rotation of the input cam 320 in the input cam secondrotational direction R320′ (counter-clockwise in FIG. 15 ) causes thesecond engagement portion 326 of the input cam 320 to engage the secondcam surface 336 of the shuttle 330 such that the input cam 320 drivesthe shuttle 330 in the shuttle actuating direction A330 (to the left inFIGS. 11 and 13 , to the right in FIGS. 12 and 15 ). Shifting of theshuttle 330 in the shuttle actuating direction A330 causes acorresponding rotation of the output member 340 in the output memberactuating direction A340, thereby actuating the latch control assembly230 as described above. Thus, the rotation converter 300 convertsrotation of the input cam 320 from the input cam home position in theinput cam second rotational direction R320′ to rotation of the outputmember 340 in the output member actuating direction A340.

Regardless of whether the drive spindle 130 has been rotated from thehome position in the first drive spindle direction or the second drivespindle direction, the drive spindle 130 may return to the drive spindlehome position after driving the shuttle 330 to the shuttle actuatedposition. Such return of the drive spindle 130 to the drive spindle homeposition causes a corresponding return of the input cam 320 to the inputcam home position. As the input cam 320 returns to its home position,the biasing mechanism 350 urges the shuttle 330 in a shuttle deactuatingdirection opposite the shuttle actuating direction A330. As the shuttle330 moves in the shuttle deactuating direction, the rack-and-pinionmechanism 307 returns the output member 340 to the output member homeposition, thereby returning the actuator 252 to the actuator homeposition and deactuating the latch control assembly 230. Thus, therotation converter 300 converts rotation of the input cam 320 toward theinput cam home position to rotation of the actuator 252 toward theactuator home position.

As should be appreciated from the foregoing, the rotation converter 300is configured to convert rotation of the input cam 320 in each andeither direction from the input cam home position (i.e., each and eitherof the input cam first rotational direction R320 and the input camsecond rotational direction R320′) into rotation of the output member340 in a single actuating direction A340. This capability may bereferred to herein as the capability of converting bidirectionalrotation to unidirectional rotation. With this capability, regardless ofwhether the drive spindle 130 is rotated from the drive spindle homeposition in the drive spindle first rotational direction (e.g.,counter-clockwise in FIG. 2 ) or the drive spindle second rotationaldirection (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 2 ), the output of the rotationconverter 300 will be the same. More particularly, the output of therotation converter 300 will be an output that rotates the actuator 252in its actuating direction A252 from the actuator home position to theactuator actuated position. As a result, the handle 120 can be installedin either of a left-handed orientation or a right-handed orientation,and when the handle 120 is coupled with the drive spindle 130, thehandle 120 can be rotated in either direction from the handle homeposition to actuate the latch control assembly 230.

In the illustrated form, when the handle 120 is engaged with the drivespindle 130, the handle 120, the drive spindle 130, and the input cam320 are rotationally coupled such that each of the first directions isthe same direction, and each of the second directions is the samedirection. For example, the handle first rotational direction(counter-clockwise in the orientation of FIG. 2 ) is the same as thedrive spindle first rotational direction (counter-clockwise in theorientation of FIG. 2 and clockwise in the orientation of FIG. 14 ),which is the same as the input cam first rotational direction (clockwisein the orientation of FIG. 14 ). Similarly, the handle second rotationaldirection (clockwise in the orientation of FIG. 2 ) is the same as thedrive spindle second rotational direction (clockwise in the orientationof FIG. 2 and counter-clockwise in the orientation of FIG. 14 ), whichis the same as the input cam second rotational direction(counter-clockwise in the orientation of FIG. 14 ).

It is also contemplated that one or more of the components may rotate inan opposite direction as one or more of the other components. Forexample, should the handle 120 be engaged with the drive spindle 130 viaone or more gears, the drive spindle 130 may rotate in an oppositedirection as the handle 120. In such forms, the handle first rotationaldirection (e.g. clockwise in the orientation of FIG. 2 ) may bedifferent from the drive spindle first direction (e.g.,counter-clockwise in the orientation of FIG. 2 ).

In the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 13 , the output member340 is installed in a first orientation, in which the toothed region 347engages the rack gear 337 and the untoothed region 349 faces the secondrack gear 337′ without engaging the second rack gear 337′. As a result,movement of the shuttle 330 in the shuttle actuating direction A330 (tothe left in FIGS. 11 and 13 ) causes a corresponding rotation of theoutput member 340 in an output member first actuating direction A340(counter-clockwise in FIG. 11 ).

With additional reference to FIG. 16 , illustrated therein is therotation converter 300 with the output member 340 installed in a secondorientation opposite the first orientation. More particularly, thesecond orientation is about 180° offset from the first orientation aboutthe output rotational axis 304. In this second or reversed orientation,the toothed region 347 engages the second rack gear 337′ and theuntoothed region 349 faces the rack gear 337 without engaging the rackgear 337. As a result, movement of the shuttle 330 in the shuttleactuating direction A330 (to the left in FIG. 16 ) causes acorresponding rotation of the output member 340 in an output membersecond actuating direction A340′ (clockwise in FIG. 16 ).

As should be evident from the foregoing, the illustrated output member340 is reversible to alter the output member actuating direction. Suchreversibility may be advantageous to the installer. For example, whilethe actuating device 250 of the illustrated pushbar assembly 200 isconfigured to actuate the latch control assembly 230 when the actuator252 is rotated in a first rotational direction (counter-clockwise inFIG. 8 ), it is also contemplated that a pushbar assembly may include anactuating device that actuates a latch control assembly when an actuatoris rotated in a second rotational direction opposite the firstrotational direction. In such forms, the same rotation converter 300 maybe utilized to rotate the output member 340 in the second rotationaldirection. More particularly, the cover plate 316 may be removed toexpose the output member 340, the output member 340 may be removed andreplaced in the second orientation, and the cover plate 316 may bereinstalled to close the housing 300. With the output member 340 in thereversed orientation, the rotation converter 300 will be configured toconvert bidirectional rotation to unidirectional rotation in the secondrotational direction A340′.

In the illustrated form, the output member 340 is reversible between thefirst and second orientations to alter the output member actuatingdirection as described above. It is also contemplated that the outputmember 340 may not necessarily be reversible. By way of example, one ofrack gears 337, 337′ may be omitted. In such forms, the pinion gear 343may be fully toothed, or may remain partially toothed.

With additional reference to FIG. 17 , illustrated therein is a rotationconverter 400 according to certain embodiments. The rotation converter400 is substantially similar to the above-described rotation converter300, and generally includes a housing 410, an input cam, a shuttle 430,an output member 440, and a biasing mechanism, which respectivelycorrespond to the above-described housing 310, input cam 320, shuttle330, output member 340, and biasing mechanism 350. In the interest ofconciseness, the following description of the rotation converter 400focuses primarily on elements and features that are different from thosedescribed above with reference to the rotation converter 300.

As with the above-described shuttle 330, the shuttle 430 has a shuttlehome position (illustrated in FIG. 17 ), and is movable in a shuttleactuating direction A430 toward a shuttle actuated position. Actuationof the shuttle 430 may, for example, take place along the lines setforth above with reference to actuation of the shuttle 330. The shuttle430 includes an aperture 432 that includes a first recess 433 and asecond recess 434 extending away from the first recess 433 at a rightangle, and which in the illustrated form further includes a third recess435 opposite the second recess 434. As described herein, the aperture432 receives the output member 440 and aids in rotating the outputmember 440 in the output member actuating direction as the shuttle 430is driven in the shuttle actuating direction A430.

The output member 440 is somewhat similar to the above-described outputmember 340, and generally includes a base plate 442, a post extendingfrom the base plate 442, and a tailpiece 445 extending from the post.However, in place of the toothed region 347, the illustrated outputmember 440 includes a radial projection 447 that extends into the secondrecess 434.

As should be appreciated, the shuttle 430 can be driven in the shuttleactuating direction A430 by rotation of the input cam in eitherdirection from the input cam home position, for example as describedabove with reference to the input cam 320 and the shuttle 330. Duringmovement of the shuttle 430 in the shuttle actuating direction A430, oneedge of the second recess 434 (the right edge in FIG. 17 ) engages theradial projection 447, thereby driving the output member 440 in theoutput member actuating direction A440 (counter-clockwise in FIG. 17 )as the base plate 442 enters the first recess 433. Such rotation of theoutput member 440 in the output member actuating direction A440 from theoutput member home position drives the actuator 252 from the actuatorhome position to the actuator actuated position, thereby actuating thelatch control assembly 230 as described above. As the input cam returnsto the input cam home position (e.g., in response to rotation of thedrive spindle 130 to the drive spindle home position), a second edge ofthe second recess (the left edge in FIG. 17 ) engages the radialprojection, thereby returning the output member 440 to the output memberhome position. Such return of the output member 440 to the output memberhome position causes a corresponding return of the actuator 252 to theactuator home position, thereby deactuating the latch control assembly230 as described above.

In the illustrated form, the output member 440 is reversible in a manneranalogous to that described above with reference to the output member430. More particularly, the output member 440 can be removed from therotation converter 400, rotated by about 180° about its rotational axis,and reinstalled to the rotation converter 400 such that the radialprojection 447 extends into the third recess 435. With the output member440 installed in this second orientation, movement of the shuttle 430 inthe shuttle actuating direction A430 drives the output member 440 in aoutput member second actuating direction (clockwise in FIG. 17 )opposite the output member first actuating direction A440(counter-clockwise in FIG. 17 ). The ability to alter the actuatingdirection of the output member 440 may be advantageous for reasonsanalogous to those set forth above with reference to the reversibilityof the output member 340.

While two illustrative forms of rotation converters 300, 400 have beenillustrated and described herein, it is to be appreciated that rotationconverters according to other embodiments may take other forms. As oneexample, a rotation converter according to certain embodiments mayinclude one or more ratchets that convert bidirectional rotation of thedrive spindle 130 from its home position to unidirectional rotation ofthe actuator 252 in the actuator actuating direction from the actuatorhome position. As another example, a rotation converter according tocertain embodiments may include a four bar linkage that convertsbidirectional rotation of the drive spindle 130 from its home positionto unidirectional rotation of the actuator 252 in the actuator actuatingdirection from the actuator home position.

With additional reference to FIG. 18 , illustrated therein is a process500 according to certain embodiments. Blocks illustrated for theprocesses in the present application are understood to be examples only,and blocks may be combined or divided, and added or removed, as well asre-ordered in whole or in part, unless explicitly stated to thecontrary. Additionally, while the blocks are illustrated in a relativelyserial fashion, it is to be understood that two or more of the blocksmay be performed concurrently or in parallel with one another. Moreover,while the process 500 is described with specific reference to the trimassembly illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 and the pushbar assembly illustratedin FIGS. 5-8 , it is to be appreciated that the process 500 may beperformed using a trim assembly of another form and/or a pushbarassembly of another form. Similarly, while the process 500 is describedherein with specific reference to the rotation converter 300 illustratedin FIGS. 9-16 , it is to be appreciated that the process 500 may beperformed with rotation converters having additional or alternativefeatures, including but not limited to the rotation converter 400.

The process 500 generally relates to the installation and/or operationof an exit device assembly, the exit device assembly including a trimassembly mounted to a non-egress side of a door, a pushbar assemblymounted to an egress side of the door, and a rotation converterinstalled to a door preparation formed within the door. In theillustrated form, the process 500 generally relates to the installationand/or operation of the exit device assembly 90, in which the trimassembly 100 is installed to the non-egress side 81 of the door 80, thepushbar assembly 200 is installed to the egress side 82 of the door 80,and the rotation converter 300 is installed to the door preparation 85.Generally speaking, the trim assembly includes a drive spindle, and thepushbar assembly includes an actuator. While other forms arecontemplated, in the illustrated form, the trim assembly 100 includes adrive spindle 130 and a handle 120 at least selectively operable torotate the drive spindle 130, and the pushbar assembly 200 includes alatch control assembly 230 and an actuator 252 operable to actuate thelatch control assembly 230 when rotated in an actuating direction froman actuator home position to an actuator actuated position.

The illustrated process 500 generally includes an installation procedure510, a rotation converting procedure 520, an actuation procedure 530,and a deactuation procedure 540. The installation procedure 510generally involves installing at least a portion of the exit deviceassembly 90 to the door 80, the rotation converting procedure 520generally involves converting bidirectional rotation of the drivespindle 130 to unidirectional rotation of the actuator 252, theactuation procedure 530 generally involves actuating the latch controlassembly 230 in response to rotation of the actuator 252, and thedeactuating procedure 540 generally involves deactuating the exit deviceassembly 90.

The process 500 may begin with an installation procedure 510, whichgenerally involves installing at least a portion of an exit deviceassembly to a door. In certain forms, the installation procedure 510 mayinvolve block 512, which generally involves installing a pushbarassembly to an egress side of a door. For example, block 512 may involveinstalling the pushbar assembly 200 to the egress side 82 of the door 80such that the actuator 252 is aligned with and accessible via the doorpreparation 85.

The installation procedure 510 may include block 514, which generallyinvolves engaging an output member of a rotation converter with theactuator of the exit device. For example, block 514 may involve seatingthe rotation converter 300 in the door preparation 85 and engaging theoutput member 340 with the actuator 252 via a tailpiece 345. In certainembodiments, the tailpiece 345 may be coupled with one of the actuator252 or the output member 340. In certain embodiments, the tailpiece 345may be slidingly engaged with each of the actuator 252 and the outputmember 340. In further embodiments, block 514 may involve engaging theoutput member 340 with the actuator 252 in another manner (e.g. via oneor more gears) to correlate rotation of the actuator 252 with rotationof the output member 340.

The installation procedure 510 may include block 516, which generallyinvolves engaging an input member of the rotation converter with a drivespindle of the trim assembly. For example, block 516 may involveinserting the drive spindle 130 into the aperture 323 of the input cam320 to rotationally couple the drive spindle 130 and the input cam 320.It is also contemplated that block 516 may involve engaging the inputcam 320 with the drive spindle 130 in another manner (e.g. via one ormore gears) to correlate rotation of the drive spindle 130 with rotationof the input cam 320.

The installation procedure 510 may include block 518, which generallyinvolves installing the trim assembly to the non-egress side of thedoor. For example, block 518 may involve installing the trim assembly100 to the non-egress side 81 of the door 80 with the drive spindle 130engaged with the input cam 320.

The process 500 may include a rotation converting procedure 520, whichgenerally involves converting bi-directional rotation of the drivespindle from the drive spindle home position to unidirectional rotationof the actuator in an actuator actuating direction from an actuator homeposition to an actuator actuated position.

The rotation converting procedure 520 includes block 522, whichgenerally involves converting rotation of the drive spindle in a firstdrive spindle direction from the drive spindle home position to rotationof the actuator in the actuator actuating direction from an actuatorhome position to an actuator actuated position. For example, block 522may involve converting rotation of the drive spindle 130 in the firstdrive spindle direction (counter-clockwise in FIG. 2 ) to rotation ofthe actuator 252 in the actuator actuating direction A252 (clockwise inFIG. 8 ).

In the illustrated form, block 522 involves rotating the input cam 320in the input cam first rotational direction R320 in response to rotationof the drive spindle 130 in the drive spindle first rotationaldirection. Block 522 may include moving the shuttle 330 in the shuttleactuating direction A330 in response to rotation of the input member 320in the input member first rotational direction R320, for example as aresult of engagement of the first engagement portion 325 with the firstcam surface 335. Block 522 may further include rotating the outputmember 340 in the output member actuating direction A340 in response tomovement of the shuttle 330 in the shuttle actuating direction A330, forexample as a result of the operation of the rack-and-pinion mechanism307. Block 522 may further include rotating the actuator 252 in theactuator actuating direction A252 in response to rotation of the outputmember 340 in the output member actuating direction A340.

The rotation converting procedure 520 may further includes block 524,which generally involves converting rotation of the drive spindle in asecond drive spindle direction from the drive spindle home position torotation of the actuator in the actuator actuating direction from anactuator home position to an actuator actuated position, wherein thesecond drive spindle direction is opposite the first drive spindledirection. For example, block 524 may involve converting rotation of thedrive spindle 130 in the second drive spindle direction (clockwise inFIG. 2 ) to rotation of the actuator 252 in the actuator actuatingdirection A252 (clockwise in FIG. 8 ).

In the illustrated form, block 524 involves rotating the input cam 320in the input cam second rotational direction R320′ in response torotation of the drive spindle 130 in the drive spindle second rotationaldirection. Block 524 may include moving the shuttle 330 in the shuttleactuating direction A330 in response to rotation of the input member 320in the input member second rotational direction R320′, for example as aresult of engagement of the second engagement portion 326 with thesecond cam surface 336. The illustrated form of block 524 furtherinvolves rotating the output member 340 in the output member actuatingdirection A340 in response to movement of the shuttle 330 in the shuttleactuating direction A330, for example as a result of the operation ofthe rack-and-pinion mechanism 307. Block 524 may further includerotating the actuator 252 in the actuator actuating direction A252 inresponse to rotation of the output member 340 in the output memberactuating direction A340.

In certain embodiments, the process 500 may include the actuatingprocedure 530, which generally involves actuating a latch mechanism inresponse to rotation of the actuator in the actuator actuatingdirection. As described herein, in the illustrated form, the actuatingprocedure 530 generally involves actuating the latch control assembly230 in response to rotation of the actuator 252 from the actuator homeposition to the actuator actuated position in the actuator actuatingdirection, and actuating the latch mechanism 240 in response toactuation of the latch control assembly 230.

The actuating procedure 530 may include block 532, which generallyinvolves shifting a slide plate in a slide plate actuating direction inresponse to rotation of the actuator in the actuator actuatingdirection. In the illustrated form, block 532 generally involvesshifting the slide plate 235 in a downward direction as the projection254 engages the protrusion 257.

The actuating procedure 530 may include block 534, which generallyinvolves actuating the latch control assembly in response to movement ofthe slide plate in the slide plate actuating direction. In theillustrated form, block 534 involves actuating the latch controlassembly 230 in response to downward movement of the slide plate 256 asdescribed above.

The actuating procedure 530 may further include block 536, whichgenerally involves actuating a latch mechanism in response to actuationof the latch control assembly. In the illustrated form, block 536involve actuating the latch mechanism 240 in response to actuation ofthe latch control assembly 230, thereby retracting the latchbolt 242. Itis also contemplated that block 536 may involve actuating another formof latch mechanism, such as a latch mechanism remote from the pushbarassembly 200 (e.g., a latch mechanism installed near the top of the door80 and/or a latch mechanism installed near the bottom of the door 80).

In certain embodiments, the process 500 may include a deactuatingprocedure 540, which generally involves returning the exit deviceassembly to a deactuated state. In the illustrated form, the deactuatingprocedure 540 is performed in response to the drive spindle 130returning to its home position, for example upon release of the handle120.

The deactuating procedure 540 may include block 541, which generallyinvolves returning the input member to the input member home position inresponse to return of the drive spindle to the drive spindle homeposition. For example, block 541 may involve causing the input cam 320to return to the home position illustrated in FIG. 12 as the drivespindle 130 returns to the drive spindle home position (e.g., under abiasing force exerted by the trim assembly 100).

The deactuating procedure 540 may include block 542, which generallyinvolves returning the shuttle to the shuttle home position in responseto return of the input member to the input member home position. Forexample, block 542 may involve the biasing mechanism 350 driving theshuttle 330 in a shuttle deactuating direction opposite the shuttleactuating direction A330 as the input cam 320 returns to the input camhome position.

The deactuating procedure 540 may include block 543, which generallyinvolves returning the output member to the output member home positionin response to return of the shuttle to the shuttle home position. Forexample, block 543 may involve the rack-and-pinion mechanism 307 drivingthe output member 340 to the output member home position as the shuttle330 returns to the shuttle home position.

The deactuating procedure 540 may include block 544, which generallyinvolves returning the actuator to the actuator home position inresponse to return of the output member to the output member homeposition. For example, block 544 may involve the tailpiece 345 rotatingthe actuator 252 in the actuator deactuating direction(counter-clockwise in FIG. 8 ) from the actuator actuated position tothe actuator home position as the output member 340 returns to theoutput member home position.

The deactuating procedure 540 may include block 545, which generallyinvolves deactuating the latch control assembly in response to return ofthe actuator to the actuator home position. For example, block 545 mayinvolve shifting the slide plate 256 in a slide plate deactuatingdirection (upward in FIG. 8 ) as the actuator 252 rotates in theactuator deactuating direction from the actuator actuated position tothe actuator home position, thereby deactuating the latch controlassembly.

The deactuating procedure 540 may include block 546, which generallyinvolves deactuating the latch mechanism in response to deactuation ofthe latch control assembly. For example, block 546 may involve extendingthe latchbolt 242 as the latch control assembly 230 deactuates, therebydeactuating the latch mechanism 240. It is also contemplated that block546 may involve deactuating an additional or alternative form of alatchbolt mechanism, such as one remote from the pushbar assembly 200.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and thatall changes and modifications that come within the spirit of theinventions are desired to be protected.

It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable,preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the descriptionabove indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, itnonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may becontemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope beingdefined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intendedthat when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least oneportion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only oneitem unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When thelanguage “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item caninclude a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated tothe contrary.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating an exit device assemblycomprising a trim assembly mounted to a non-egress side of a door, apushbar assembly mounted to an egress side of the door, and a rotationconverter mounted at a location inside the door and engaged between adrive spindle of the trim assembly and an actuator of the pushbarassembly, the method comprising: converting, by the rotation converterand at the location inside the door, rotation of the drive spindle in adrive spindle first rotational direction to rotation of the actuator inan actuator actuating direction; and converting, by the rotationconverter and at the location inside the door, rotation of the drivespindle in a drive spindle second rotational direction opposite thedrive spindle first rotational direction to rotation of the actuator inthe actuator actuating direction; wherein the location inside the dooris between the egress side of the door and the non-egress side of thedoor.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: in response torotation of the actuator in the actuator actuating direction, actuatinga latch control assembly of the pushbar assembly, thereby actuating alatch mechanism of the exit device assembly.
 3. The method of claim 1,further comprising: engaging an input member of the rotation convertorwith the drive spindle such that the input member rotates in an inputmember first rotational direction in response to rotation of the drivespindle in the drive spindle first rotational direction and such thatthe input member rotates in an input member second rotational directionin response to rotation of the drive spindle in the drive spindle secondrotational direction; and engaging an output member of the rotationconverter with the actuator such that the actuator rotates in theactuator actuating direction in response to rotation of the outputmember in an output member actuating direction; wherein convertingrotation of the drive spindle in the drive spindle first rotationaldirection to rotation of the actuator in the actuator actuatingdirection comprises converting rotation of the input member in the inputmember first rotational direction to rotation of the output member inthe output member actuating direction; and wherein converting rotationof the drive spindle in the drive spindle second rotational direction torotation of the actuator in the actuator actuating direction comprisesconverting rotation of the input member in the input member secondrotational direction to rotation of the output member in the outputmember actuating direction.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein therotation converter comprises a shuttle engaged with the drive spindleand an output member engaged with the shuttle; and wherein convertingrotation of the drive spindle in the drive spindle first rotationaldirection to rotation of the actuator in the actuator actuatingdirection comprises: moving the shuttle in a shuttle actuating directionin response to rotation of the drive spindle in the drive spindle firstrotational direction; rotating the output member in an output memberactuating direction in response to movement of the shuttle in theshuttle actuating direction; and rotating the actuator in the actuatoractuating direction in response to rotation of the output member in theoutput member actuating direction.
 5. The method of claim 4, whereinconverting rotation of the drive spindle in the drive spindle secondrotational direction to rotation of the actuator in the actuatoractuating direction comprises: moving the shuttle in the shuttleactuating direction in response to rotation of the drive spindle in thedrive spindle second rotational direction; rotating the output member inthe output member actuating direction in response to movement of theshuttle in the shuttle actuating direction; and rotating the actuator inthe actuator actuating direction in response to rotation of the outputmember in the output member actuating direction.
 6. The method of claim4, wherein the shuttle comprises a rack gear; wherein the output membercomprises a pinion gear engaged with the rack gear; and wherein theoutput member rotates in the output member actuating direction inresponse to movement of the shuttle in the shuttle actuating directiondue to engagement of the pinion gear with the rack gear.
 7. The methodof claim 1, further comprising separating the rotation converter fromthe trim assembly.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein converting rotationof the drive spindle in the drive spindle first rotational direction torotation of the actuator in the actuator actuating direction comprisesconverting, by a shuttle of the rotation converter, the rotation of thedrive spindle in the drive spindle first rotational direction torotation of the actuator in the actuator actuating direction; whereinconverting rotation of the drive spindle in the drive spindle secondrotational direction to rotation of the actuator in the actuatoractuating direction comprises converting, by the shuttle, the rotationof the drive spindle in the drive spindle second rotational direction torotation of the actuator in the actuator actuating direction; andwherein the shuttle is located inside the door.
 9. The method of claim1, further comprising converting the trim from a first handingconfiguration to a second handing configuration different from the firsthanding configuration.
 10. A method of installing an exit deviceassembly to a door including a door preparation, the exit deviceassembly including a pushbar assembly, an outside trim, and a rotationconverter separate from the pushbar assembly and the outside trim, themethod comprising: mounting the rotation converter in the doorpreparation, the rotation converter comprising: a housing configured formounting inside the door preparation; an output member rotatably mountedto the housing; a shuttle movably mounted to the housing and engagedwith the output member, wherein, with the rotation converter mounted inthe door preparation, the shuttle is located inside the door between anegress side of the door and a non-egress side of the door; and an inputmember rotatably mounted to the housing and engaged with the shuttle;wherein the shuttle is configured to rotate the output member in a firstdirection in response to rotation of the input member in the firstdirection; wherein the shuttle is configured to rotate the output memberin the first direction in response to rotation of the input member in asecond direction opposite the first direction; engaging the input memberwith the trim such that the trim is operable to rotate the input memberin at least one of the first direction or the second direction; andengaging the output member with the pushbar assembly such that the trimis at least selectively operable to actuate a latch control assembly ofthe pushbar assembly.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein, with therotation converter mounted in the door preparation, each of the outputmember and the input member is positioned at least partially inside thedoor.
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising separating therotation converter from the trim.
 13. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising actuating, by the rotation converter, the latch controlassembly in response to rotation of a handle of the trim in one of thefirst direction or the second direction.
 14. The method of claim 13,further comprising actuating, by the rotation converter, the latchcontrol assembly in response to rotation of the handle in the other ofthe first direction or the second direction.
 15. The method of claim 13,further comprising converting the trim from a first handingconfiguration to a second handing configuration different from the firsthanding configuration.
 16. A rotation converter configured for mountinginside a door having a pushbar assembly installed on first side of thedoor and a trim mounted on an opposite second side of the door, therotation converter comprising: a housing configured for mounting insidea door preparation of the door; an output member rotatably mounted tothe housing; a shuttle movably mounted to the housing and engaged withthe output member such that the output member rotates in an outputmember actuating direction in response to movement of the shuttle in ashuttle actuating direction, wherein, with the rotation convertermounted inside the door, the rotation converter is positioned betweenthe first side of the door and the second side of the door; and an inputmember rotatably mounted to the housing and engaged with the shuttle;wherein the input member is configured to drive the shuttle in theshuttle actuating direction during rotation of the input member in afirst direction, thereby causing the shuttle to rotate the output memberin the output member actuating direction; and wherein the input memberis configured to drive the shuttle in the shuttle actuating directionduring rotation of the input member in a second direction opposite thefirst direction, thereby causing the shuttle to rotate the output memberin the output member actuating direction.
 17. The rotation converter ofclaim 16, wherein the shuttle comprises a rack gear; and wherein theoutput member comprises a pinion gear engaged with the rack gear suchthat the output member rotates in the first direction in response tomovement of the shuttle in the shuttle actuating direction.
 18. Therotation converter of claim 16, wherein the pinion gear comprises atoothed region and an untoothed region; wherein the shuttle furthercomprises a second rack gear opposite the rack gear; wherein the pinionhas a first orientation in which the toothed region is engaged with therack gear, the untoothed region faces the second rack gear, and theoutput member actuating direction is a first rotational direction; andwherein the pinion has a second orientation in which the toothed regionis engaged with the second rack gear, the untoothed region faces therack gear, and the output member actuating direction is a secondrotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.
 19. Therotation converter of claim 16, wherein the shuttle comprises a firstcam surface and a second cam surface offset from the first cam surface;wherein the input member comprises a first engagement portion and asecond engagement portion offset from the first engagement portion;wherein the first engagement portion is configured to engage the firstcam surface to thereby drive the shuttle in the shuttle actuatingdirection during rotation of the input member in the first direction;and wherein the second engagement portion is configured to engage thesecond cam surface to thereby drive the shuttle in the shuttle actuatingdirection during rotation of the input member in the second direction.20. An exit device assembly comprising the rotation converter of claim16, the exit device assembly further comprising a trim and a pushbarassembly; wherein the input member is engaged with a handle of the trim;wherein the output member is engaged with an actuator of the pushbarassembly; wherein the rotation converter is configured to actuate theactuator in response to rotation of the handle regardless of a handingorientation of the trim.